Physicists extract proton mass radius from experimental data
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences extracted the proton mass radius from experimental data, finding it to be 0.67 ± 0.03 femtometers, which is smaller than the charge radius.
Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
Researchers reveal how PIF proteins regulate cytokinesis
PIF proteins play organ-specific roles in regulating cell division in apical hooks and cotyledons, but not in hypocotyls. Cytokinesis is involved in the apical hook opening, and PIF proteins directly bind to the promoter of BUB3.1, a key regulator of microtubule reorganization during cytokinesis.
Researchers reveal Knl1 gene function in plants
The study identifies Knl1 as a constitutive component of the central kinetochore protein in plants, playing an essential role in chromosomal congregation and segregation during mitosis. Deficiencies in Knl1 are linked to defective kernel development.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2021
Flash flood risk may triple across third pole due to global warming
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change warns that flash flood risk may triple across the Third Pole due to global warming. The study found that one in six glacial lakes pose a high to very high risk to downstream communities, with potential transboundary natural disasters expected to increase.
FAST detects 3D spin-velocity alignment in a pulsar
A recent study published in Nature Astronomy has found evidence for three-dimensional (3D) spin-velocity alignment in pulsars. The research, conducted using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), reveals new insights into the origins of these rapidly rotating neutron stars.
Aluminum may affect climate change by increasing ocean's carbon sink capacity
Researchers found that adding aluminum to seawater increases net carbon fixation of marine diatoms by 10-30%, improving the ocean's ability to absorb CO2. This process can significantly increase the ocean's carbon sink capacity and sequester carbon for long periods, aiding climate change mitigation.
Newly discovered miocene biome sheds light on rainforest evolution
A new research discovery reveals an exceptionally diverse tropical seasonal rainforest biota from the Miocene era, with over 250 arthropod families and 78 broadleaf tree species. This find provides insights into the evolution of rainforests and their potential adaptability to a warmer world.
Latest observations by MUSER help clarify solar eruptions
The study revealed key physics behind primary energy release, particle acceleration, and transportation in solar radio bursts. MUSER provides a unique tool for measuring solar magnetic fields and tracing dynamic evolution of energetic electrons.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateApr 29, 2021
Scientists see chemical short-range order in medium-entropy alloy
Researchers identify subnanoscale chemical short-range order (CSRO) in face-centered cubic VCoNi alloy using complete suite of tools and methods. CSRO is linked to mechanical properties and plasticity mechanisms.
How do slow anomalies beneath subducting slabs affect giant megathrust earthquakes?
Researchers found low-velocity anomalies in six subduction zones, leading to a shift in rupture mechanics and potentially inducing major megathrust earthquakes. The study suggests that these anomalies can increase interplate shear stress, making it easier for earthquakes to occur.
Researchers solve puzzle of origin and formation of specialized body plan in flatfishes
The study unravels the evolutionary and genetic origins of flatfish specialized body plan through comparative genomic analysis. Key findings include significant alteration in genes related to visual perception, immune response, and musculature development.
Structure gives insight into how plants keep their "mouths" shut
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences have uncovered the atomic structure of SLAC1, a protein responsible for closing stomatal pores in plants. The discovery sheds light on how plants respond to environmental changes, such as high CO2 levels and drought.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
Scientists propose new formation mechanism for solar coronal rain
Scientists have discovered a new type of coronal rain forming along open magnetic structures on the Sun, which is facilitated by interchange magnetic reconnection between open and closed magnetic structures. This mechanism triggers thermal instability, leading to cooling and condensation of hot coronal plasma, resulting in coronal rain.
What does 1.5 °C warming limit mean for China?
A study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers found that China's efforts to achieve a 1.5°C warming limit require significant reductions in carbon and non-carbon emissions, with substantial declines in energy consumption and fossil fuel use. The study also highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
NAOC scientists make further step towards understanding dark energy
Researchers have made a significant step in understanding dark energy using the eBOSS survey, detecting its existence at a 11-sigma significance. The study employed multi-tracer analysis to mitigate systematics and achieve robust cosmological results.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 22, 2021
Scientists reveal origin of neuronal diversity in hypothalamus
Researchers mapped the developmental landscape of the mouse hypothalamus, revealing a stepwise strategy for neural progenitors to generate extreme neuronal diversity. The study provides insights into hypothalamic plasticity and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as anorexia and narcolepsy.
Study sheds light on stellar origin of 60Fe
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the stellar beta-decay rate of 59Fe, which is essential for predicting the yield of 60Fe in massive stars. By measuring this rate, they eliminated a major nuclear uncertainty and found that the yield of 60Fe is 40% less than previously predicted.
Scientists report remarkable enhancement of α-particle clustering in uranium isotopes
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences discover abnormal enhancement of α-particle clustering in uranium isotopes, revealing strong proton-neutron interaction influence on α-decay properties. The study reveals systematics trends and anomalies in α-decay reduced widths for polonium-plutonium nuclei near shell closure.
Scientists more confident projecting ENSO changes under global warming
A team of scientists found that ENSO-related climate variability is expected to increase under global warming due to the amplification of tropical lower tropospheric humidity. This intensification in ENSO-driven atmospheric variability suggests a higher risk of extreme weather events.
Researchers demonstrate very high specificity of prime editors in plants
Researchers found that prime editors have extremely low off-target effects in plant cells, with editing rates of 0.00%~0.23%. The study suggests designing pegRNAs to minimize off-target sites and eliminates concerns about nonspecific effects from M-MLV RT.
Scientists program microalgae's 'oil factory' to produce various oils
Researchers have programmed microalgae to produce fatty acids of different lengths, creating a more flexible cell factory for producing industrially relevant oils. This breakthrough could lead to the development of designer oils with various fatty acid chain lengths.
Tropical forest soils capture CO2 under elevated nitrogen deposition
Tropical forest soils capture carbon dioxide into organic matter interacting with soil minerals, leading to reduced CO2 emissions. Excessive nitrogen deposition stimulates soil carbon storage by 7-21% in tropical forests.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021
Scientists uncover the last meal of a cretaceous pollinator
Researchers uncover a new fossil beetle species from mid-Cretaceous amber, shedding light on the earliest pollinators of flowering plants. The discovery shows that short-winged flower beetles visited angiosperms in the Cretaceous, leading to a direct link between early flowering plants and their insect visitors.
Scientists discover two new species of ancient, burrowing mammal ancestors
Researchers found two new species, Fossiomanus sinensis and Jueconodon cheni, with characteristics of scratch diggers in the Jehol Biota ecosystem. The animals independently evolved traits to support their digging lifestyle, including shorter limbs and strong forelimbs.
Scientists observe role of cavitation in glass fracturing
Researchers observed cavitation governing fracture in glasses, revealing self-organized nucleation and growth of nanocavities. Cavitation-induced nanopatterns are common in various glass types, including polymers and silicates.
Scientists develop new platelet-based formulation for combination anticancer therapy
Researchers created a novel platelet-based delivery system to target and penetrate tumors, combining photothermal therapy and immunotherapy. The biomimetic formulation demonstrated potent therapeutic effects against multiple types of cancer in murine models.
Researchers reveal how lipids and water molecules regulate 5-HT receptors
The study found that phospholipid PtdIns4P and cholesterol play a critical role in G-protein coupling and ligand recognition, stabilizing the receptor's basal activity. Water molecules also mimic polar functionalities of serotonin, sustaining basal activity.
Researchers improve plant prime editing efficiency with optimized pegRNA designs
The study optimized pegRNA designs to maximize plant prime editing efficiency, finding that the melting temperature of the PBS sequence is crucial for efficient editing. The introduction of dual pegRNAs resulted in significant improvements in editing efficiency, with a 3.0-fold increase compared to individual pegRNAs.
Genome scalpel invented for industrial microalgae to efficiently turn CO2into biofuel
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a 'genome scalpel' to efficiently produce sustainable biofuels from sunlight and CO2 by removing non-essential genes from microalgae. This approach could lead to more efficient production of biomolecules like biofuels, with potential applications in renewable energy and redu...
Chinese solar telescope reveals acceleration of magnetic reconnection
Researchers using the New Vacuum Solar Telescope observed a significant acceleration of magnetic reconnection due to propagating disturbances caused by filament eruptions. The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, found that these disturbances led to shorter and brighter current sheets with increased reconnection rates.
FAST captures distant fast radio bursts from the youth of universe
Researchers discovered three new FRBs with high dispersion measure from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), indicating they happened billions of years ago. The findings suggest there could be as many as 120,000 detectable FRBs arriving on Earth every day.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 11, 2021
Novel targeted modification strategy improves selectivity of polyamide nanofiltration membranes
A new modification strategy regulates pore size distribution and electronegativity in polyamide NF membranes, improving rejection rates for monosaccharides and monovalent salts. This results in better separation efficiency with only minor permeability loss.
Fossils from "Vegetational Pompeii" Resolve Deep Palaeontology Mystery
Researchers have confirmed Noeggerathiales had fern-like spore propagation and seed plant vascular tissue, revealing a closer relationship to seed plants than previously thought. The study also shows that the ancestral lineage of seed plants diversified during the Devonian-Carboniferous-Permian periods.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2021
New Study Shows 24-72 Hours of Poor Oral Hygiene Impacts Oral Health
A new study found that poor oral hygiene within 24-72 hours can lead to a steep decrease in good oral bacteria and an increase in bad bacteria associated with periodontitis. The researchers also discovered a sudden aging of the bacteria's microbiome, equivalent to about a year in less than a month.
Discovery of potential cosmic-ray accelerator in the galaxy opens window for PeV cosmic rays origin
The Tibet ASgamma experiment has discovered gamma rays beyond 100 TeV from a supernova remnant, suggesting that cosmic-ray nuclei are accelerated up to PeV energy and collide with a nearby molecular cloud. This discovery identifies the first candidate object in the Milky Way that can accelerate cosmic rays up to 1 PeV.
High-performance electrocatalysts to propel development of direct ethanol fuel cells
Direct ethanol fuel cells have high energy density, low toxicity, and easy operation, but lack robust electrocatalysts for anodic ethanol oxidation. The study proposes alloying effects with core-shell construction to optimize Pd shell surfaces, achieving highest mass activity and specific activity for catalyzing ethanol electro-oxidation
Novel catalysts improve efficiency of urea synthesis at ambient conditions
Researchers have developed novel Bi-BiVO4 Mott-Schottky heterostructure catalysts for efficient urea synthesis under ambient conditions. The spontaneous charge transfer at the heterointerfaces promotes targeted adsorption and activation of CO2 and N2 molecules, effectively suppressing CO poisoning.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 26, 2021
Amination strategy improves efficiency of CO2 electrocatalytic reduction
Researchers developed a two-step amination strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of M-N/C catalysts, leading to improved current density and Faraday efficiency. The new method enabled CO2 electrocatalytic reduction at an industrial level, with a remarkable current density of over 400 mA cm−2.
Insight-HXMT gives insight into origin of fast radio bursts
The latest observations from Insight-HXMT have discovered the origin of fast radio bursts (FRBs), revealing they come from soft-gamma repeater (SGR) J1935+2154, a magnetar in our Milky Way. This discovery resolves the longstanding puzzle concerning the origin of FRBs.
First black hole ever detected is more massive than we thought
The stellar-mass black hole in the Cygnus X-1 binary system was found to have a mass 21 times that of the Sun and is rotating at a speed close to the speed of light. This discovery challenges astronomers' thoughts on how black holes formed.
Collapsed glaciers increase third pole uncertainties: Downstream lakes may merge within a decade
The collapse of Aru glaciers has sent at least 7.1 million cubic meters of ice into downstream lakes, disrupting regional ecosystems. The volume increase of Memar Co Lake is 30% faster than the previous rate, and it may merge with Aru Co Lake within 7-11 years.
Insights into lithium metal battery failure open doors to doubling battery life
Researchers identified lithium hydride (LiH) as a dominant compound in anode breakdown during lithium metal batteries (LMBs), which can be reversed by increasing temperature. The discovery offers hope to enhance battery life without size increase or cost.
Non-teleost ray-finned fishes exhibit mosaic genomic features of lobe- and ray-finned fishes
Researchers have discovered that non-teleost ray-finned fishes possess genetic traits similar to those of lobe- and ray-finned fishes, including limb development and respiratory systems. These findings provide crucial insights into the water-to-land transition during vertebrate evolution.
Pollinator host-switches and fig hybridization dominate fig-wasp coevolution
Researchers have discovered that pollinator host-switching and hybridization are common features of fig-wasp coevolution, contradicting the traditional view. The study analyzed genomes from 15 fig species and found widespread hybridization events with associated host-switches among pollinators.
Researchers reveal in-situ manipulation of active Au-TiO2interface
Scientists used environmental transmission electron microscopy to visualize epitaxial rotation of gold nanoparticles on titanium dioxide surfaces during CO oxidation. Theoretical calculations showed that the epitaxial orientation could be induced by changing O2 adsorption coverage at the perimeter interface.
Brain 3D genome study uncovers human-specific regulatory changes during development
A high-resolution 3D chromatin structure map of the macaque fetal brain has been constructed, revealing human-specific chromatin structural changes. These changes include 499 human-specific TADs and 1266 human-specific loops, which are enriched with enhancer-enhancer interactions.
New findings on devonian 'platypus fish' cast light on evolution of modern jawed vertebrates
Researchers studied the brain and inner ear cavity of Brindabellaspis stensioi, discovering an ancient placoderm with features resembling modern jawed vertebrates. The fossil challenges existing theories on platyoderm relationships and sheds light on the evolution of jawed vertebrates.
Growth of northern Tibet proved the key to East Asian biodiversity
A joint research team revealed that the growth of northern Tibet drastically altered climate and vegetation patterns in East Asia. The study found that increased rainfall allowed unique plants and animal species to evolve in vast numbers, creating a biodiversity hotspot.
Meta-Apo supports cheaper, quicker microbiome functional assessment
A new algorithm called Meta-Apo reduces the need for expensive whole-genome sequencing to understand microbial function, improving consistency with 16S rRNA gene amplicon results. This approach enables accurate diagnoses like gingivitis improvement from 65% to 95% using low-cost 16S-amplicon sequencing.
Microbiome Search Engine 2 helps researchers explore microbiome space
The new search engine enables researchers to compare different samples with the same function in various microbiomes, aiding disease diagnosis and treatment. MSE 2 includes an extended database of over 260,000 samples, providing a bird's eye view of the microbiome data space